The survey has 20 questions covering matters such as whether patients understood the advice they were given by their doctor, whether they were involved in decisions about their care and treatment, and whether they were treated with respect and dignity by hospital staff.

It will go out to patients who have had one overnight stay.

The survey is being introduced by all DHBs.

Nelson Marlborough was the first to provide test responses to the system, and was praised for its efforts. Cemplicity, which provides the system, said IT teams and quality teams had worked well together.

The NMDHB has been working on implementing the three-monthly survey, including training administration staff in the importance of collecting and recording patients' information, especially email addresses.

"It will give people the opportunity to give more feedback about what has happened, what hasn't happened, and what needs to happen," Baker said.

However, the board was also conscious of "disadvantaging the disadvantaged", he said, referring to those without internet access.

"We need to ensure the process is accessible for everyone," said board chair Jenny Black.

The NMDHB received 33 complaints regarding poor communication and inadequate treatment in May, but also received 50 compliments.